WASHINGTON — A California man with a history of political violence has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol. David Nicholas Dempsey’s sentence is one of the longest among the hundreds of Capitol riot prosecutions. This sentence serves as a strong message that such violent and destructive actions will not be tolerated in our democracy.
Prosecutors described Dempsey as one of the most violent members of the mob of Donald Trump supporters that attacked the Capitol as lawmakers met to certify Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential election victory. His actions were not only dangerous but also showed a complete disregard for the rule of law and the safety of others.
Dempsey, who is from Van Nuys, repeatedly attacked police officers with flagpoles and other makeshift weapons. He stomped on officers’ heads, swung poles at them, and even used pepper spray and broken pieces of furniture as weapons. He also climbed on top of other rioters to reach officers guarding a tunnel entrance, injuring at least two police officers in the process.
During his sentencing, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth told Dempsey that his conduct on January 6th was “exceptionally egregious” and that he did not simply get carried away in the moment. Dempsey had pleaded guilty in January to two counts of assaulting police officers with a dangerous weapon.
Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, is the only other individual to receive a longer sentence in the January 6 attack. He was sentenced to 22 years for orchestrating a plot to stop the peaceful transfer of power from Trump to Biden after the 2020 presidential election.
Before learning his sentence, Dempsey called his conduct “reprehensible” and apologized to the police officers whom he assaulted. He acknowledged that they were simply performing their duties, and he responded with hostility and violence. This apology shows that he has taken responsibility for his actions and is willing to make amends.
The Justice Department had recommended a prison sentence of 21 years and 10 months for Dempsey, citing his extreme violence and the fact that he even attacked a fellow rioter who was trying to disarm him. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher described Dempsey as “political violence personified,” highlighting the seriousness of his actions.
On the other hand, defense attorney Amy Collins argued for a sentence of 6 years and 6 months, stating that the government’s recommendation was “ridiculous” and did not consider the person Dempsey has become. However, his past criminal record and his involvement in multiple acts of political violence show a pattern of behavior that cannot be ignored.
Dempsey’s involvement in the January 6 attack was not an isolated incident. He has a history of violence, including convictions for burglary, theft, and assault. In October 2019, he attacked peaceful protesters demonstrating against then-President Trump, using bear spray and receiving 200 days of jail time for his actions.
Prosecutors also revealed that Dempsey engaged in at least three other acts of “vicious political violence” that did not lead to criminal charges. These incidents include striking a counterprotester with a skateboard, using the same skateboard to assault someone at a protest, and attacking a protester with pepper spray and a metal bat. These actions show a clear pattern of violent behavior and a disregard for the safety of others.
Dempsey has been in jail since his arrest in August 2021. His sentence serves as a reminder that the consequences of participating in such violent and destructive acts will be severe. More than 1,400 people have been charged with January 6-related federal crimes, and over 900 of them have been convicted and sentenced. This shows that the justice system is taking these crimes seriously and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
In conclusion, David Nicholas Dempsey’s 20-year prison sentence sends a strong message that political violence will not be tolerated in our democracy. His actions on January 6th were not only dangerous but also a direct attack on our democratic institutions and the rule of law. This sentence serves as a reminder that such behavior will have severe consequences and that those who engage in it will be held accountable. Let this be a lesson to all that violence and destruction have no place in our society, and we must work towards a peaceful and united future.
